Parents urged to spot mental illness signs

Darling Downs school principals say it is important parents can identify the signs and symptoms of mental illness in children.

The Darling Downs Principals Association and the Tie Up the Black Dog Committee are hosting workshops for parents in Toowoomba and Goondiwindi on Sunday and Monday.

Pittsworth High School principal Tony Kennedy says teenage mental health is an issue that all aspects of society must address.

"I think in all of our schools we deal with issues with young people around mental health issues and I think it's something that we're all having to learn more about to be able to offer better services to our young people," he said.

Mr Kennedy says depression, bullying and eating disorders are issues teachers have to deal with every day.

"None of us are experts at this and what we see are sometimes the warning signs or the manifestations where young people are suffering from this," he said.

"We have to work not just with them and their families but with other agencies to try and overcome and support some of the issues these kids are facing."